By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

 

A Polk County woman is wanted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office after three dogs were found neglected, one of which had a cord wrapped around and embedded in its leg.

Sabrina Renee Painter, 38, is being sought in connection with the case. Painter’s last known address was 812 Landrum Rd., Columbus, but officers believe Painter may currently be residing in upstate South Carolina.

Polk County Animal Control received information on Dec. 28, 2015 about abandoned animals at 812 Landrum Road. When officers arrived they found dogs that were in poor health, without adequate food or water. One in particular had extremely matted hair.

“One dog had a phone cord that had been wrapped around its leg causing damage and infection,” said Lt. Lowell Griffin in a press release.

The dogs were removed from the property and the dog with the cord embedded in its leg was taken to Cloverfield Veterinarian Hospital. The female dog, suspected to be young and approximately 40 lbs., had surgery on Monday, Jan. 4 to repair its leg.

The sheriff’s office is seeking Painter, who faces charges of animal abandonment and animal cruelty.

Officers say they intend to seek restitution from Painter regarding bills from the veterinarian associated with the dogs’ care.

Polk County is also accepting donations to assist with the medical bills for the animals.

The injured dog is still being cared for by Cloverfield, while the other two dogs are in a shelter.

The surgery on the dog with the cord in its leg was complete on Monday, with volunteers with Foothills Humane Society saying they are optimistic the dog’s leg was saved.

The shelter is seeking a special foster care home for the injured dog during her recovery. The dog needs a foster home with someone who can take her to Cloverfield once a day to have her bandage changed and for medications. Volunteers say the dog is extremely sweet with a wonderful personality.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Painter or who is interested in donating towards the dog’s medical bills is urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 828-894-3001.

Anyone interested in fostering the injured dog can contact the Foothills Humane Society at 828-863-4444.